Syringe robber 'made HIV threat'

The woman was told the syringe was contaminated with HIV

A woman has been robbed by another woman who threatened her with a syringe which she claimed was contaminated with the HIV virus.

The 21-year-old victim was approached in Bothwell Street, Edinburgh, at about 1600 GMT on Sunday by a woman demanding money.

When she refused, the woman threatened her with the needle. The woman then handed over a small quantity of cash.

The robber was in her early 20s, 5ft 4in tall and "very thin".

She had a pale complexion and freckles, long dyed blonde hair, and was wearing a white jacket.

A police spokeswoman said: "Although not hurt, it would have been terrifying for the young woman to be threatened with a syringe.

"It's vital the woman responsible is caught, and we would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward."